Brazil nuts are like most nuts, delicious and full of protein. However, this import from Brazil is actually surprisingly rich in health benefits. Furthermore, unlike other nuts, Brazil nuts lack the saturated fat that some popular varieties of nuts have. In case you’re looking for a new snack food to satisfy your craving for something crunchy, try Brazil nuts. Here are some Brazil nuts health benefits gained by consuming these on a regular basis.

Monounsaturated Fat – The nutritional content of Brazil nuts is similar to other nuts. However, the levels of monounsaturated fats are some of the highest in all nuts. Not only is this a good source of healthy calories, monounsaturated fats have been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Selenium – The biggest health attribute of Brazil nuts is their high concentrations of selenium. This mineral is often overlooked by many people since it appears so rarely. However, selenium is important in regulating to important antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidise and glutathione. Both enzymes are vital in ensuring good health by fighting off the effects of free roaming toxins and pathogens called free radicals. Brazil nuts are even more important since selenium is not produced by the body, meaning this mineral must be gained from outside sources, making Brazil nuts one of the best sources for selenium.

Reduces Heart Disease – Mainly through the concentrations of selenium, Brazil nuts have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. This is accomplished through the selenium activating certain antioxidant enzymes that remove rancid fats found in the heart. Furthermore, selenium helps prevent blood from clotting, reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack due to a clot.

Proper Thyroid Function – The selenium in Brazil nuts is also important for regulating the thyroid. This important organ that controls metabolic functions requires selenium to operate normally by turning the less active thyroid hormone thyroxine into the more active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine. Consuming Brazil nuts on a regular basis can help keep the thyroid functioning properly and aid people taking thyroid medication.

Vitamin E – Brazil nuts are also known for their high content of vitamin E. Not only is vitamin E essential for skin health, it is a strong antioxidant regulator and helps control the release of antioxidants enzymes all throughout the body.

Nevertheless, despite these health benefits, Brazil nuts are a controversial food source. Consuming too much selenium can be dangerous, even deadly, to most people. Furthermore, the shells of Brazil nuts have been found to contain aflatoxins, compounds that have been shown to cause liver cancer. Radium is also present in Brazil nuts due to the Brazil nut tree’s expansive root system. The dosages of radium are not inherently dangerous, but Brazil nuts contain a thousand times more radium than any other food, making this a possible source of concern.